2 Kissimmee officers killed in shooting

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WESH) —Two Kissimmee police officers who were shot while checking on reports of suspicious people Friday night have died.

Kissimmee Police Chief Jeff O'Dell said that Sgt. Sam Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter were checking reports of suspicious activity in an area of Kissimmee known for drug activity when they were shot. They did not have an opportunity to return fire.

O'Dell said Baxter, a three-year veteran of the department, died later in a hospital, and Howard, a 10-year-veteran, succumbed to his injuries Saturday afternoon.

O’Dell said Everett Milller has been arrested and charged in the death of Baxter. He will be transferred to the Osceola County Jail on Saturday in Baxter’s handcuffs, O’Dell said.

Detectives used surveillance video to track down Miller at Roscoe’s Bar.

An employee said Miller took refuge at the bar, possibly in a bathroom. When police arrived, they cleared everyone out.

Police said Miller reached toward his waistband inside the bar. Authorities tackled him to the ground and secured him. They located a 9 mm handgun and a .22-caliber revolver.

O’Dell did not say how many people were involved in the takedown, but indicated that officers were in extreme danger until they safely secured the suspect.

“Extremely brave and heroic actions by the deputy; there were other people in the facility,” O’Dell said.

Police said no other arrests are expected.

A bank account through SunTrust has been set up through the City of Kissimmee for those who would like to donate to the fallen officers families. The account is called Officer Matthew Baxter and Sergeant Sam Howard.

If you would like to donate, you can do so at any SunTrust Bank beginning on Monday, Aug. 21.

“I am so proud of the sworn and civilian members of our Department by acting quickly to identify the suspect and bring him to justice. We will mourn over the next few days….We will get through this and we love them for what they do,” said O’Dell in a statement on the Kissimmee Police Department's Facebook page.

Kissimmee police said it has been 25 years since an officer died in the line of duty. Sergeant Douglas Odell Parsons died on April 27, 1993 of a heart attack and Patrolman Thomas Alan Bartholomew was shot and killed July 18, 1983.

President Donald Trump, Gov. Rick Scott and Central Florida’s law enforcement community are mourning with the Kissimmee Police Department Saturday.

Trump tweeted early Saturday, “My thoughts and prayers are with Kissimmee police and their loved ones. We are with you!”

Scott said on his official Twitter account that he is “heartbroken to hear of the loss of Kissimmee police officer Matthew Baxter. Praying for a quick recovery for the officer in critical condition.”

Central Florida’s law enforcement agencies also offered condolences to the Kissimmee Police Department.

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